Dem’s Massachusetts governor now wants to restrict illegal immigrants in crime-ridden immigration shelters

Massachusetts Gov. Maura Haley is intensifying her approach to the state’s refugee crisis amid growing security concerns and just days before President-elect Trump takes office.

Haley, a Democrat, is proposing drastic changes to the state’s handling of immigrants, with rare exceptions, proposing that all families staying in emergency shelters be in the country legally. The measure would prevent new immigrants from staying in state shelters.

The change, which comes after reviewing the state’s right to asylum law, will require all asylum applicants to show that they are a US citizen, a lawful permanent resident, or are here “under the color of law.” They are different for families that include children who are US citizens or legal permanent residents.

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The governor is also looking to strengthen background checks by requiring anyone staying in shelters to disclose criminal convictions in the state and elsewhere.

Her proposal would require applicants to verify their identity, residency and immigration status before they are arrested. At present, asylum seekers are allowed to stay before submitting any documents.

It would also limit those eligible due to displacement to the state, not the state. For example, this would eliminate a situation where an immigrant is deported to another state and then comes to Massachusetts and receives shelter benefits.

“I believe these changes are appropriate and necessary to ensure the long-term sustainability of the state’s shelter system, consistent with the original intent of the law,” Healy said in a statement. “Furthermore, these proposed changes will allow us to continue to ensure the safety of our system, help cities and towns address the problem of homeless families in their communities, and move toward a more financially sustainable shelter system.”

The move comes in the wake of security concerns at shelters in the state and various crimes related to illegal immigrants in the state. Data from the region indicate that there have been hundreds of serious incidents, including rape, in the shelters.

Last month, an illegal immigrant was arrested in a government-sponsored hotel room with an AR-15 and an estimated $1 million worth of fentanyl. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has seen a recent spike in illegal immigration arrests for sex crimes in the Boston area and across Massachusetts.

Haley said in November that her state police would not cooperate with the incoming Trump administration’s expected mass deportation efforts and warned that she would use “every tool in the toolbox” to “protect” residents in blue states.

Haley’s new proposals include “no action by Congress and no help from the federal government” after reviewing the state’s shelter laws.

The proposals must be approved by the Legislature, and Healy outlined her recommendations. by letter He urged the Senate President, Speaker and House and Senate Ways and Means Chairs, that the changes be included in the Emergency Assistance (EA) supplemental budget.

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She recently announced that the administration will phase out hotels and motels as accommodations by the end of 2025.

Massachusetts adopted the Right to Shelter Act 40 years ago, which was designed to provide housing for families in need, particularly pregnant women and children experiencing homelessness.

In recent years, refugees have sought shelter under this law, which has overwhelmed the asylum system. Last year, Haley declared a state of emergency in the state and called for federal action. She also admits that the state’s policy may be a draw for immigrants.

Immigrants sleep on the floor of Boston’s Logan International Airport as the shelter system is overwhelmed.

About 50,000 immigrants have come to the state since 2021. Center for Refugee Studies July Report.

Democratic House Speaker Ronald Mariano said the new proposal is consistent with what lawmakers have been trying to do.

“Since the beginning of the crisis in the shelter system, the Council has consistently led efforts to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the Commonwealth’s Emergency Assistance Program, resulting in the most sustainable improvements and necessary training for individuals in the shelter system,” he said in a statement, according to The Associated Press.

Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarm welcomed the proposal.

“With a growing consensus not only on Beacon Hill but across the Commonwealth that major changes are urgently needed, we finally have an opportunity to make the system more reliable, accountable and transparent, and more sustainable.” Minority Leader Bruce Tarer said in a statement.

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The Massachusetts Republican Party accused Haley in August of quietly spending more than $1 billion on the state’s immigration crisis.

Massachusetts Republican Party Chairwoman Amy Carnevale said in a statement at the time: “The Haley-Driscoll administration has left Massachusetts residents in the dark by concealing nearly $1 billion in funds.

“They withheld critical information on 600 cases involving police, fire and EMTs. By blocking reporters at every turn, the administration blocked the flow of information to the public.”